Summary

(dezinformatsiya: disinformation; the deliberate spreading of false information to mislead an enemy as to one's position or course of action)

Sidney leads them to a fallen log, just off the bank, still shrouded by trees. They can see the river, but no one can see them. If he were there with anyone else -- if he actually wanted to pursue Zoya the way everyone at work wants him to -- the spot would be romantic. But this is Sidney, and Zhenya knows he can’t have that.

“Nice spot,” Zhenya announces. He brushes some leaves off of the log then lowers himself to sit. “Very nice. Quiet, you hide back here. Bet you take pretty girls here, be alone.”

Sidney stops before he sits and looks at Zhenya; the hurt expression that crosses his face slides away so quickly that Zhenya isn’t even sure that he saw it at all. “No,” he says finally as he sits down. “No, only surly Soviet defectors who ask too many questions.”